If there is one way to get folks talking off the cuff, it is to broach the subject of deer rifles and calibers. Everyone has a favorite their dad, granddad, or aunt used to tame the Wild West and deplete the Elk herds in downtown Burbank. The problem is what works for one doesn’t work for the other, at least it doesn’t work as well.

After training hundreds of individuals and doing considerable research on handguns and cartridges, I have come to realize that many shooters do not realize the work a handgun cartridge must do. There has been considerable research and intensive testing during the past two decades—more so than the previous 100 years. The FBI set the need for penetration, expansion, and diameter forth after expensive and extensive testing, but how many shooters truly understand caliber, ballistics, and bullet choice?

A solid marketing scheme or cool packaging will do little to stop an attacker, but the right ammunition can. However, there are far too many people who can tell you exactly why they chose a particular firearm for self-defense, but have little to no idea why they chose the ammunition they loaded into the gun. This article reviews bullet construction, “stopping power,” and a handful of top choices to get you on a path to effective self-defense.

We’ve chosen the sometimes twisting path to becoming handloaders because we want to improve on-target results. The difference between a handloader and a reloader? My wise-crack answer, which is honest, is that handloaders start with new brass… We’re not about to shoot factory ammo.

California’s Proposition 63 requires individuals who wish to purchase ammunition to first obtain a permit. The measure then mandates dealers to check this permit before selling ammunition, and will halt the mail-order sale of ammunition to California residents. What does this mean for California gun owners? Do you have a plan to stock up before Prop 63 goes into effect?

Ruger has expanded its line of 1911 handguns considerably since the introduction of the original SR1911 a few years ago. There is a steel frame Commander version, lightweight Commander .45, and now an SR1911 9mm Commander. These handguns have proven to be reliable, accurate, and a good value. They are service grade and deserve the attention of anyone interested in a quality 1911 handgun.

Recently, SIG Sauer broadened its line of defensive ammunition with two big bore revolver loads. The .44 Special V-Crown and .45 Colt V-Crown offer good choices for personal defense. Before we look at the performance of each load we should look at the cartridges. The .45 Colt is the older cartridge, introduced in 1873. The .45 Colt has been loaded with different weight bullets but traditional performance is a 255-grain conical load at about 850 fps in most revolvers.

Federal Premium Ammunition’s Personal Defense HST offerings have become synonymous with concealed carry and home defense. While the most popular loads are obviously the first to leave the factory, short-barreled wheel gun enthusiasts can now feel secure with the release of Federal Premium Ammunition’s Personal Defense HST Micro in 130-grain .38 Special +P. Here is the full release.

Federal Premium Ammunition’s Personal Defense HST Micro loads fuel peak performance from subcompact, concealed-carry handguns. For 2017, the HST Micro line has been expanded to include a 130-grain .38 Special +P load with a deeply seated bullet that eliminates excess air space in the case. This results in the most consistent velocities and terminal performance. Shipments of the new loads are now arriving at dealers.

Like all HST Micro rounds, the new load provides reliable expansion, optimum penetration and superior terminal performance with a bullet weight and propellant optimized for the most efficiency and accuracy in subcompact handguns.

“By combining the HST bullet design with the unique seating depth, we’ve created the most consistent .38 Special personal defense load on the market,” said Federal Premium Handgun Product Lane Director Jason Nash. “We’re proud to give those who carry a .38 Special the most effective possible option for the platform.”

Federal Premium Ammunition recently announced its new Hi-Bird shotshell, which combines speed, hard-hitting pellets and a specialized wad to fold the highest doves, crows, and pigeons, as well as pheasants and the most challenging upland birds. Shipments are currently being delivered , and Cheaper Than Dirt! has plenty. Here is the full release from Federal Ammunition.

Not the most popular calibers, but have fans approaching rabid status—and for good reason. So, American Eagle’s announcement is not only news for fans of the 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel, it’s a heads up to all who do not own a gun in one of these calibers to take action now!

Some years ago, long time hunter, handloader, and experimenter Tim Sundles founded Buffalo Bore Ammunition. At first, he concentrated on big bore loads with the slogan Strictly Big Bore Strictly Business.

February 23 is .223 day! Who doesn’t love a day honoring one of America’s favorite calibers most often fired from the AR-15—one of America’s favorite rifles? In truth, we do not have to wait for 2/23, we can celebrate it any day of the year by emptying a few magazines by sending rounds down range. However, in honor of .223 day we first want to thank our men and women in uniform serving our country, veterans, first responders, and law enforcement officers who run toward danger when we get run from it. With that done, we hope you will enjoy a little down time with a few of our favorite .223-themed posts from the past.

We hope you enjoyed this list as much as we do. Share your favorite .223 story in the comment section.

If you are serious about rimfires, you know the difference between off the shelf and match grade ammunition. Federal understands the needs of shooters who demand the maximum accuracy and performance. To better serve this need, Federal Premium has introduced Hunter Match 22 Long Rifle. Here is the full release from Federal Premium.

If you are serious about waterfowling, Black Cloud is a top contender to be your hunting partner. According to Federal Premium, you can also forget what you thought you knew about Black Cloud. It seems the Federal’s best got a makeover and is now even better. Here is the full release from Federal Premium.

A few months ago, SIG Sauer introduced its new line of handgun ammunition. It is always good to see honest competition—especially among the top tier of manufacturers. And this is just what we have, top tier loads.